MARYLAND FIRE-RESCUE
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMISSION

The Maryland Fire-Rescue Education and Training Commission
(MFRETC) is a division of the Maryland Higher Education
Commission subject to the authority of the Secretary of Higher
Education. It is composed of 13
members who are appointed by the Governor of Maryland with the
advice and consent of the Senate. The MFRETC represents
the State's various segments of emergency services.
One member represents the general public at large. The
Governor designates the Chairman. The primary objective
of all fire, rescue and emergency medical related services is
to protect life and property. The MFRETC has the
responsibility of overseeing education and training activities
for Maryland's emergency services personnel who provide such
services.

Created by legislative mandate to be the State
level coordinating agency for the education and training of
Maryland's emergency services, the MFRETC assures that those
responsible for the delivery of these offerings have the best
possible programs. This is accomplished by correlating
State, county and municipal education and training systems by
establishing minimum standards, and by promoting high quality
education and training. The MFRETC provides focus for developing and
maintaining an emergency services State Master Plan, it
conducts program approval activities, and works to improve
emergency services education, training and certification
systems. Educational institutions that are part of the
system include universities, colleges, the Maryland Fire and
Rescue Institute, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical
Services systems, county service academies, municipal
academies, fire departments, and rescue squads. This
relationship recognizes that the responsibilities of the
MFRETC are a part of the postsecondary education and training
mission of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.